- • In the total 381 EC members of the above 29 WUAs, 20 % are representing schedule caste.
- • It is to be noted that 30% farmers’ contribution which is mandatory for Palmyra-ICEF project towards the cost of tank rehabilitation works is the highest and unique in the history of rain fed tank rehabilitation projects at least in Tamil Nadu.

- • Based on the demands from the farmers and evinced interest shown by them, the proportion of farmers’ contribution was reduced to 15% by the funding agency, in respect of On-farm development works below sluice level.
- • These 29 WUAs comprising 2706 farmers from an ayacut area of 3771.81 acres had contributed a huge amount of 1.17crores towards tank rehabilitation and on- farm development works.
- • The farmers’ contribution had created a very good awareness and impact on the need for participation with contribution, not only in and around the project area but also in the entire region.
- • The WUAs had transacted an enormous total amount of Rs 3.77 Crores on cost of TR and OFD works as of September 2005. They also adopted transparent mechanisms in maintaining accounts and taking administrative and financial decisions in the implementation of the project.
- • The exposure visits and training programmes under capacity building numbering to 110 had contributed to enhance their managerial & organizational skills of WUAs and Federation. The training programmes were also supported with the training manuals.
- • The water holding capacity and irrigation potential of 29 water bodies were restored in the project area by carrying out desilting work to the tune of 0.64 million cubic meters to efficiently store an additional large volume of 22.58 mcft.
- • This component of work has not only increased the storage capacity but also reduced the losses due to evaporation.
- • Thus higher irrigation potential was created in the form of surface water and ground water.

- • This increased potential of 22.58 mcft can be used to supply water either for raising 135 acres of paddy crop or growing 270 acres of dry crops additionally in the project area.
- • With the same quantity of water, life saving irrigation could be given to any crop at its critical stage to a minimum extent of 2165 acres.
- • This increased storage will be directly useful in recharging the ground water in 478 open wells located in the ayacuts of tanks and other water resources.
- • Though exact data can be presented only after observation, there is no doubt that the additional storage created will extend its benefit to the open wells and tanks of dry lands located beyond the boundary of the ayacut areas.
- • The supply channels of 16 tanks were restored to their original carrying capacities by desilting to a length of 31.53 km. The maximized inflow of water into the tank was realized by the farmers in all these 16 tanks during the north-east monsoon (October to December) in 2004. The higher water inputs into these tanks caused the extension of tank surplus period by one month.
- • Out of the 40 sluices existing in the project area, 22 were defective. Similarly 20 out of the 27 weirs needed repairs. The repairs to these defective structures which are very important in preserving stored water, were very effective in increasing tank storage. It also aided in the extension of tank surplus period.